Nepal, the Himalayan country known for its abundant water resources, has once again started exporting electricity to its neighboring country, India. The surge in hydroelectricity generation from run-of-the-river projects, fueled by the onset of the monsoon season, has allowed Nepal to tap into its power surplus and share it with India.
According to Suresh Bhattarai, spokesperson of the Nepal Electricity Authority, the country commenced exporting 600 MW hour electricity to India from Saturday. This move comes as a result of the surplus electricity available in Nepal, marking a significant shift from the previous scenario where Nepal had been importing up to 400 MW electricity from India to meet its domestic demand.
The contrasting seasonal patterns of electricity demand and supply in Nepal have played a crucial role in this development. During the winter months, the domestic demand for electricity increases, while the supply decreases. However, with the advent of summer, the demand decreases, and the supply increases due to the abundance of hydropower resources. Nepal’s strategic utilization of its hydroelectric potential during the monsoon period has allowed it to bridge the gap and meet India’s electricity requirements.
Most of Nepal’s hydropower projects operate on the run-of-the-river concept, utilizing the elevated water levels in the Himalayan rivers during the monsoon season. These projects have been instrumental in boosting electricity production and creating a surplus for export. The increased generation capacity has not only strengthened Nepal’s position as an energy exporter but has also positively impacted its economy.
In the previous year, Nepal earned approximately 12 billion rupees from electricity exports to India during the June to November period. This significant revenue influx demonstrates the potential of the country’s hydropower sector and its ability to contribute to economic growth and development.
The recent developments signify a commendable achievement for Nepal, as it transforms from an electricity importer to an exporter. By capitalizing on its natural resources and leveraging the monsoon-induced boost in hydropower generation, Nepal has taken a significant step towards achieving energy self-sufficiency and strengthening its ties with India.
The export of electricity to India not only benefits Nepal economically but also promotes regional cooperation and energy integration. It highlights the potential for cross-border collaboration in the field of energy, which can lead to mutual benefits and sustainable development in the South Asian region.
As Nepal continues to harness its hydroelectric potential and explore other renewable energy sources, the country is poised to play a vital role in the regional power market. The success story of Nepal’s electricity export serves as an inspiration for other countries, demonstrating the transformative power of sustainable energy solutions and the positive impacts they can have on national economies and regional cooperation.
Nepal’s initiation of electricity exports to India during the monsoon season marks a significant milestone in the country’s energy journey. With the surplus power generated from its run-of-the-river projects, Nepal is now able to meet its domestic demand while sharing its electricity abundance with its neighbor. This achievement not only boosts Nepal’s economy but also strengthens regional cooperation and sets an example for sustainable energy utilization in the South Asian region.